Edmonton planners like Katz Group’s zoning proposal

Modified application imagines ‘grand avenue’ into downtown

This photo shows part of the 16 acres of downtown Edmonton real estate that the Katz Group is applying to the city to build an arena district.

Photograph by: (Chris Schwarz
, Edmonton Journal

EDMONTON — City planners threw their support Thursday behind the Katz Group’s proposal to rezone a section of downtown Edmonton land for a new arena and entertainment complex.

“A project like this, if (it’s) properly done, can be transformational and very positive for a downtown at the end of the day,” planning and development general manager Gary Klassen said.

“The recommendation is strictly for the zoning of the lands. This is not about the approval of a downtown arena at this time.”

The company has modified its application since a zoning hearing set for last June was postponed, taking into account such factors as the recently approved downtown plan and concerns of the Edmonton Design Committee, he said.

The current proposal could see less parking required for the project, part of the city’s overall desire to demand fewer stalls in downtown developments, and makes clear that the project must welcome pedestrians, a report says.

It envisions wide sidewalks flanked by shade trees on boulevards up to 4.5-metres wide along 104th Avenue, which the downtown plan sees as a “grand avenue” entering the city core.

The design committee, an outside advisory group, didn’t support the original proposal last May, but accepted the latest version after concerns about sustainability, public art, architecture and other issues were addressed.

The suggested bylaw amendments, which will be discussed by city council at a January 18 public hearing, accommodate an arena, offices, homes, retail and other uses, the report says.

“The area will be characterized by an accessible, pedestrian-friendly street environment, innovative signage, iconic architecture and exceptional urban design.”

As often happens with this type of application, the zoning would permit dozens of different activities such as hotels, bars, apartments, casinos, flea markets and boarding houses, although there’s no indication which will be built.

Staff also suggest selling nearly half a hectare of city land in the area set aside for a park, using the profits for another downtown park, and closing a lane that runs through the five-hectare site.

The application covers the Baccarat Casino north of 104th Avenue, the adjoining parking lot and nearby vacant property west to 104th Street.

Development is also slated for a parking lot on the south side of 104th Avenue, but it can go ahead with the current zoning.

The proposal doesn’t give details about how the project will look or which features, including the “winter garden” pedestrian crossing over 104th Avenue, will be constructed.

This information will be included in designs that will submitted if the rezoning passes.

City council, which is expected to be the arena owner, would still have to accept the design, with input from the design committee, Klassen said.

Coun. Kim Krushell is happy that sign and landscape plans, pedestrian studies, and other work, will be needed as the development progresses.

“It does require planning and high-quality architecture, although one of the things I will be asking is how will the design committee fit into this,” she said.

“When you have something this big, it’s hard to be specific when you don’t know who your potential tenants are.”

Relaxing the number of parking stalls makes sense because council recently approved a pilot program allowing fewer or even no spaces for vehicles in some future downtown developments to make more use of public transit, she said.

The report said parking might be reduced if a study indicates this is feasible, based on such factors as the character and location of the development, and the availability of transit and existing parking.

The new zoning proposal will be considered the day after council looks at ways to pay for arena construction and how the facility would be operated.

The Katz Group has pledged to contribute $100 million to the estimated $450-million to $500-million cost of erecting a replacement for Rexall Place.

A ticket tax and dedicated property taxes from other new nearby construction are other potential funding sources.

A company official said by e-mail they welcome the report and look forward to meetings with city administration to work through the next steps in the process.

The Oilers hope to start playing in the new facility in the 2014 NHL season.

Mayor Stephen Mandel has said he expects councillors to make a final decision on the project by the end of April.

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